Location: Monroe County, AL | Metro: Monroe County, AL
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,740 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,105 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,210 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
To understand how Section 8 economics work in ZIP 36444, it's essential to know the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment, which is set at $780 for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay towards the rent of a two-bedroom unit in this specific ZIP code.
The SAFMR is not the total rent that a landlord can charge. Instead, it's part of a formula that determines the actual payment. Landlords should note that tenants are typically responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance does not meet the SAFMR, the difference is made up by the housing authority. Conversely, if the tenant's portion exceeds the SAFMR, the tenant must pay the additional amount out of pocket.
To illustrate, let's assume a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,000. Thirty percent of this would be $300, which is the amount the tenant would contribute toward rent. If the utility allowance is $100, then the total contribution from the tenant and the utility allowance would be $400. Since the SAFMR is $780, the housing authority would cover the remaining $380 to reach the full SAFMR amount.
In ZIP 36444, the local market rent data is currently unavailable. However, the SAFMR provides a benchmark for what the government considers a fair rent for the area. Given the SAFMR of $780, landlords should aim to keep their rents at or below this level to ensure they receive full reimbursement from the housing authority.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom voucher in ZIP 36444 is determined by comparing the SAFMR to the total rent charged. If a landlord charges exactly $780, there would be no gap or surplus, assuming the tenant's portion plus the utility allowance equals the SAFMR. However, if the landlord charges more than $780, the excess would be the reimbursement gap that the tenant must cover. Conversely, if the landlord charges less than $780, the difference would be a surplus, where the landlord receives more than the tenant's portion but still under the SAFMR limit.
Landlords in ZIP 36444 should also be aware that the SAFMR is subject to change annually based on economic conditions and the housing authority's assessment of fair market rents. Keeping an eye on these changes can help landlords adjust their rental strategies accordingly.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.